8 Things I Didn't Know About Childbirth

Giving birth to Gwen came a little sudden to say the least!  I hadn't taken any birthing classes or even a hospital tour.  Maybe these are common knowledge, but here are 8 things I didn't know about giving birth!

1. When they break your water, it is no where near like peeing your pants.
It is like a waterfall.  If it breaks on its own maybe it is less surprising.  I was shocked at the amount of water this girl lived in!

2. The IV bag goes everywhere with you.
I had visions of laboring by walking around freely.  You of course can walk around but you must take the IV with you. That means taking the big metal rack thing they attach it to with you as well.  I did not feel as "free" as I had hoped!

3. Epidurals compared to contractions do not hurt at all.  
You would think a large needle going into your spine would hurt.  Not for me.  It felt a little like a bee sting, but that was way better than how horrible my contractions were.  

4. They numb the area before giving you an epidural.
This probably would have been helpful to know before going into labor.  It makes the epidural way less intimidating.

5. The doctor has a lot of crazy tools someone sets up...
Like scalpels and other crazy things.  Don't look at it.  I averted my eyes and David told me about it later.

6. Pushing is not as intuitive as you would think.
With having an epidural, I could not feel a thing.  I had the knowledge for what pushing was supposed to be like, but when you can't feel anything, its pretty difficult!

7. They may put an oxygen mask on you.
 It freaked me out and it actually made it harder for me to breathe.  I was a spaz though, you probably would be fine.

8. Having a good nurse is crucial.
Honestly, since I had no complications, I would say it was more important than having a good doctor.  Our nurse was amazing.  She helped us make decisions without pressuring us, encouraged me when I was about to die from the pain, and supported me when David had to leave the room during the epidural.  She was just phenomenal.  


Anything surprise you about giving birth?

Gwyneth Eden: Weeks 5 & 6

These weeks have just been a whirl wind!  She is almost 8 weeks old and I am just now posting this!  I just looked back at her 3 and 4 week pictures and am amazed by how much she has grown.  Gwen is packing on the weight and doing wonderful.  These past two weeks have had their challenges for sure, but I am hopeful that things will become more natural and less chaotic in the weeks to come!  

Gwen's "Firsts": First time wearing a bathing suit!  She also had her first blow out diaper that David got the privilege of changing. 

Funny Moment: My mom and sister, Kelly, were over last week and I had just got done feeding Gwen.  My mom was holding her and she spit up as usual.  Kelly has not been around many babies and almost threw up when she saw the spit up!  Sorry sissy!  We will have to get you used to newborns!

High of the Week: Thanks to the help of a wonderful lactation consultant, I am officially no longer exclusively pumping!  For anyone who has ever exclusively pumped, you know this is a big deal.  Pumping=horrible.  Yes, there are some perks to it, but overall I am happy to be able to at least start down the path of breastfeeding.

For the time being, I have to nurse her and then pump afterwards.  Since I keep getting mastitis (see below), they want to make sure I avoid getting it again!  This whole feeding process takes an hour and half... yikes.  I am putting in the work now to hopefully give my self an easier time in the future.  

Low of the Week: Mastitis.... AGAIN!!!! No joke.  I had it when she was 3 weeks old and then came down with it gain at 5 weeks.  To make it worse, it was on the 4th of July.  I spent the day in bed trying to not let myself quit pumping and be done with it all.  Luckily, the next day more antibiotics were called in and I began to feel better.  Let's hope this is it!  I am not sure I have it in me to endure through another round.

Something I Learned about Newborns: When they dream it may be the cutest thing I have ever seen. Gwen coos and makes all sorts of adorable faces.  I won't lie though, I described it to David as, "It sounds like she is dreaming as though a puppy died!"  She looks very concerned when these dreaming sessions occur.

Facts for the Week(s): 

Gwen's weight: 7 lbs. 3 oz.... I know right?!
Cloth diapers purchased: 15
Types of cloth diapers: Flip and BumGenius
Fun baby gear purchased: Ergo!  Thanks for the discount Zulily!
Date night: Despicable Me 2 and Cold Stone!

5 weeks

6 weeks